Call to join fight

DIABETES Fiji chairman Dr Wahid Khan has challenged private practitioners to be involved in the management of diabetes in Fiji.

Addressing primary health practitioners at a training session on diabetes management in Suva, Dr Khan said private doctors had more time than doctors working in State-owned health facilities.

"We have a huge number of diabetics registered in each health and sub divisional hospital," Dr Khan said.

"We have got only a small number of diabetics who do go to private doctors for treatment. And I challenge these private doctors to come up with ideas on how to manage diabetes.

"Is it possible for us to, at each centre, palm off the diabetics to private practitioners because they have more time? And in return, what would be the incentive for the general practitioner to join the program?" he said.